KEY POINTS
- The event marked the first time Macy’s balloons were showcased outside the US.
- Riyadh Season 2025 features 11 entertainment zones, 15 world championships, and 34 exhibitions.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Season 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion with a grand opening parade that captivated thousands of residents and visitors.
The event, held between Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World, marked the start of the city’s largest and most anticipated entertainment season.
The streets of Riyadh were filled with excitement as crowds gathered to witness the extravagant display that combined music, art, and performance.
This year’s opening parade featured a vibrant mix of local and international performers, live music, theatrical floats, and stunning fireworks, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
In a historic first, the parade featured iconic giant balloons from Macy’s, the American company famous for its Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
This marked the first time Macy’s brought its signature inflatables outside of the US, and they wowed the audience as they floated down Riyadh’s streets. Popular characters such as Captain Tsubasa and Baby Yoda joined the spectacle, bringing smiles to spectators of all ages.
Hundreds of participants expertly manoeuvred the giant balloons through the city, creating a striking visual display of coordination and colour. The energy in the air was palpable as families and visitors from around the world cheered along the parade route, waving flags and capturing photos of the unforgettable moment. Many took to balconies along the route to get the perfect view of the spectacle.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, officially launched Riyadh Season 2025 with a televised address, building excitement for the event. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The parade has begun. All eyes are on the giant balloons as everyone lives the long-awaited moment. #RiyadhSeason 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable start.”
انطلقت المسيرة بعروض مميزة ومستوى يليق بـ #موسم_الرياض 2025 😎🔥
The parade has begun 🔥
All eyes on the giant balloons as everyone lives the long-awaited moment. #RiyadhSeason 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable start 😎#BigTime pic.twitter.com/Uho0d5dRd1— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 10, 2025
The opening ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with live music, synchronised dance performances, and stunning bubble and fireworks displays lighting up the sky. The daytime fireworks, a highlight of the parade, drew widespread admiration from the crowd.
Yassin Nour, a visitor from the Philippines, said, “My favourite part was the daytime fireworks. It was a moment of pure magic.” Mahmoud Samir from Egypt also shared his excitement, commenting, “It exceeded our expectations. Every year, the opening gets better.”
Riyadh Season 2025 promises an exciting calendar of events, with 11 entertainment zones, 15 world championships, and 34 exhibitions and festivals. Since its debut in 2019, Riyadh Season has grown into one of the region’s major attractions, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding entertainment industry to a global audience.
With its larger-than-life parades, world-class performances, and cutting-edge exhibitions, Riyadh Season 2025 is set to once again captivate the world, making it the ultimate destination for entertainment in the Middle East this year. Riyadh Season 6 is scheduled to run until March 2026.
